Create a stunning layout for your small living room!

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Loft parisien, Meero Meero Living room
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There are quite a few who find decorating a small living room an unsavoury task. You may not be one of them. But do you feel somewhat uncomfortable at the very thought of organising your tiny lounge area? If so, then we would say you are yet to discover the fun side of it. However, you need not worry about this. Today’s post will reveal the fun element that lies hidden in this seemingly challenging task, namely, decorating a small space. Moreover, it will also prompt you to think about various means of beautifully arranging a living area that you previously thought was impossible to improve.

But before we begin, it is better to remember William Morris’ suggestions, “If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” He uttered these now famous words in a lecture titled The Beauty of Life before the Birmingham Society of Arts and School of Design on February 19, 1880. His prescription stands true now more than ever.

Layout 1: Small sofa with one or two chairs

Loft parisien, Meero Meero Living room

This is one of the most traditional layouts made viable for small urban apartments or houses. You can confidently refurbish a room of about 120 sq feet (11 sq metres approximately) in this style. You are free to choose mid century modern loveseats, a contemporary Davenport or any other design that catches your fancy. 

Keep in mind the décor as well as the colour scheme of the room you are about to decorate. Instead of bulky armchairs, think of having lightweight corner chairs in line with this living room designed by Meero. This will help you to make adequate sitting arrangements without risking space congestion. Iconic designs like Hardoy chairs, Gerrit Thomas Rietveld’s Zig Zag, Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen’s Organic Armchair or any of their modern versions can help you to create a stylish interior.

Layout 2: Sofa with a coffee table

This is one of the best possible solutions for small living rooms. Depending on the available space you can choose a two or three seater sofa. Shun the bulkier types. Instead, bring home a chic yet lightweight one. You can opt for creations by contemporary designers like Hee Welling, Lucian Ercolani, Francesco Rota, or Anderssen & Voll. 

Classically styled rooms can be decorated with a beautiful settee. Complement it with a coffee table that is stylish but does not occupy too much space. One exception could be when it doubles up as an additional storage unit. For upholstery, choose a shade that is suitable to the overall design scheme.

Layout 3: Fill that empty corner

Found an empty corner just by the window or between two of your shelves? Why not tuck a small sofa in that space? Consider having something unique like a sleek loveseat or a sofa made of bamboo. More traditional choices would also work perfectly as long as you pick a design that doesn't create any further clutter in a small space. 

Use a measuring tape to correctly measure the area. If needs be, utilise adhesive tapes for clear demarcation and see that it has sufficient clearance from the passage, doorway etc. This way you can avoid ending up with a couch that is not a good fit for the specified area. You can opt for custom solutions, too. Make sure to deck it out with cosy cushions and a beautiful throw. If possible, place a small coffee table in front of it.

Layout 4: Sofa in front of a tv cabinet

This is a favoured layout for small living rooms which you may like to follow. This is particularly suited for such living rooms that are oblong in shape. You can place a long sofa against the wall facing the TV cabinet or bookshelf. However, keep in mind the following points:

- The space between the TV and sofa should be sufficient enough for a comfortable viewing. This must increase in proportion to the screen size.

- Place your TV at or slightly lower than your eye level.

- There should be at least four feet distance between the speakers mounted on the wall panels and the audience.

Failing to follow any of these may result in serious health concerns. So arrange your space to eliminate the chances of any such unwanted occurrences.

Layout 5: Sofa in the middle of an open plan living room

The open plan and minimalist approach is in vogue now. If you are following an open floor plan to create an expansive living room then select a sofa that occupies the centre stage – stylistically and otherwise. This will help you to create a welcoming lounge. 

If you are in the habit of frequently entertaining guests, then a sectional sofa may come in handy. This can accommodate more people, is modular in nature and fits perfectly in the corners or at the middle of a room. If you have chosen a muted colour for upholstery then spice it up with cushions in vibrant shades. On the other hand, if the sofa is bright and bold, opt for cushions in subtle shades.

Layout 6: Convertible sofa bed in a living room

Owners of a tiny home, attic, loft spaces or one room apartment will find this a really effective solution. A convertible sofa bed or futon can be very useful for your small living room. You can use this as a formal sofa in the daytime and convert it into a comfortable bed at night. 

You may need to have separate sets of cushions to decorate your couch during day time and sleep on it at night. If possible, place it near the window or skylights to maintain a healthy atmosphere.

Layout 7: A couple of chairs in front of window

When space is really on the shorter side, consider using a couple of armchairs or ottomans in place of sofas. This layout will work fine for you if you are not in the habit of receiving too many visitors at home. This will help to keep your living room clutter free. You will also be able to make better use of the space saved this way.

We hope you've been inspired by these small living room ideas! You probably already know that small rooms benefit from being painted white. If that's something you're planning to do, check out this Ideabook on: How to paint a gleaming white wall!

You have just seen some ways of giving your small living room a stylish makeover. Let us know which ones you'll try below!

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